Goreme Open Air Museum
Goreme Open Air Museum is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the town of Goreme in Cappadocia, Turkey. It is a unique collection of cave churches and monasteries carved into the soft tuff rock formations of the region, dating back to the Byzantine era of the 10th to 12th centuries.
The museum features several clusters of cave churches and chapels, decorated with frescoes that depict scenes from the Bible and the lives of the saints. The most famous of these churches are the Dark Church, the Apple Church, the Snake Church, and the Karanlik Kilise.
Cave churches
The Dark Church, also known as the Church of St. Barbara, is the most impressive and well-preserved of the churches in the museum. It is named after its lack of natural light, which has helped to preserve its vibrant frescoes.
The Apple Church, or the Church of St. John the Baptist, is notable for its frescoes depicting the life of St. John. In addition to the churches, the museum also features a number of monastic dwellings and refectories, as well as a small museum displaying artifacts from the site’s history.
Goreme Open Air Museum guided tours
Visitors to the Goreme Open Air Museum can take guided tours or explore the site on their own. The museum is open year-round, although some of the churches may be closed for restoration work at certain times. It is a must-visit destination for those interested in Byzantine art and history and a fascinating glimpse into the unique cultural heritage of Cappadocia.
What to see in Goreme Open Air Museum
Karanlik Kilise (Dark Church): Dark church is arguably the best preserved and most impressive in the museum. The frescoes are a wonderful example of Byzantine art from the 11th century.
Tokali: Tokali is the largest of all, with frescoes from the 9th century depicting Jesus’ life and the 12 apostles. It has four chambers, one of which depicts scenes from the New Testament and St. Basil’s life and times.
Elmali: Apple Temple: The equally significant Apple structure, which was constructed around 1050, features a Greek cross carved into the pillars that support the central dome and depict, among other biblical scenes, the Last Supper.
The St. Barbara Chapel: The Barbara Church, built in the 11th century, is dedicated to Barbara, a martyr whose father killed her for practising Christianity.
Yilanli: Snake Temple: This church has a long nave, a low ceiling, and a fresco depicting George defeating the dragon, hence its appropriate name.
Carikli: Church of Sandals: The name derives from two footprints at the base of the entrance Ascension fresco. The wall frescoes portray a progression of nativity subjects, the Torturous killing, the Submersion, and the Magi Veneration.
VISITING HOURS
Opening Hours of Goreme Open Air Museum Open every day between 08:00-17:00. Ticket Price of Goreme Open Air Museum Entrance Fee: 100 TL
HOW TO GET TO GOREME OPEN AIR MUSEUM?
Museum is only 1.8 km to Goreme town. You can walk 7 minutes from Goreme to Open Air Museum. Contact Details of Goreme Open Air Museum Address: Museum road, Goreme, Nevsehir, Turkey Tel: +90 384 271 21 67
Summery of This Article
How far is the Goreme Open Air Museum?
It is only 1.8km from Goreme
Can I walk to Goreme Open Air Museum?
Yes only 7 minutes from Goreme town
Goreme Open Air Museum ticket price
100 TL
Goreme Open Air Museum opening times
08:00
What time does Goreme Open Air Museum close?
17:00
What is inside Goreme Open Air Museum?
Many of Cappadocia’s hidden cave churches with frescoes. Since 1984 the Goreme Open Air Museum has been a member of UNESCO World Heritage List
How long does it take to visit Goreme Open Air Museum?
About 1.5 hours
Which daily Cappadocia tour including Goreme Open Air Museum?
Cappadocia Red Tour
